As the Black Stars fine-tune their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has opened the doors to its secretive selection process, revealing the immense data-driven effort behind the difficult decision to omit notable players like Joseph Paintsil and Derrick Köhn from the provisional squad.
With the clock ticking down to the June 1 deadline for the final 26-man roster, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has moved to explain the rigorous methodology that left some fan favorites on the sidelines, despite recent heroics on the international stage.
The Numbers Behind the Selection
Speaking to Asempa FM, Asante Twum revealed that the technical team of Head Coach Otto Addo did not rely on instinct alone. Instead, they conducted an exhaustive global scouting mission to evaluate Ghanaian talent.
“About 200 videos were reviewed to assess individual players. The technical team also analysed 170 matches through live monitoring,” Asante Twum disclosed .
He added that the analytical scope was vast: “During this period, 75 players were systematically scouted, while 30 were observed live. All assessments were documented to support medium- and long-term planning and inform the selection of the 28-man squad” .
The current provisional list, which contains five goalkeepers, has been met with criticism from sections of the media and passionate football fans who questioned the exclusion of in-form players .
The Cases of Paintsil and Köhn
Asante Twum was careful not to disparage the excluded players, acknowledging their quality while defending the difficulty of the decisions.
“Joseph Paintsil is a good player and has given a good account of himself since his debut call-up,” Asante Twum stated. The LA Galaxy winger, born February 1, 1998, has been a consistent performer since his debut, though he ultimately did not make the cut .
Regarding Derrick Köhn, the GFA official admitted the left-back had made a compelling case for inclusion during Ghana’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart. Playing the full duration of the match at the MHP Arena, the Union Berlin defender provided a stunning assist for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s equalizer in the 70th minute .
“Derrick Köhn was also impressive against Germany, where he provided an assist,” Asante Twum conceded. “But only 26 players can make the final squad” .
The 27-year-old Köhn earned a rating of 7.1 for his performance against the four-time World Champions—the second highest among Ghanaian players after goalkeeper Benjamin Asare . Social media was flooded with praise following the March friendly, with one fan posting: “Derrick Kohn. That’s how you play your way into the team. Brilliant assist” .
No Late Inclusions Expected
Despite the public outcry, Asante Twum has indicated that the door is likely closed for any new faces.
“If everything goes well, it is likely there won’t be any more inclusions. A lot depends on what happens from now till the announcement of the final squad. For now, these 28 players will be the ones who will be in camp and fight for a place in the final list,” he told Citi Sports .
The Black Stars are currently preparing in Cardiff ahead of a crucial pre-tournament friendly against Wales on June 2. Following that match, Coach Otto Addo will trim the squad from 28 to 26 .
The Road Ahead
Ghana faces a daunting task in Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia . The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17.
Asante Twum recently urged media practitioners to focus on professional storytelling during the tournament. “The Black Stars aren’t just a football team; they’re a national passion. How we share their story is crucial,” he said at a recent media training session in Accra .
With the final roster announcement looming on June 1, the GFA appears confident that the extensive video analysis—spanning 200 individual reviews and 170 matches—will yield a squad capable of competing against the world’s best . For players like Paintsil and Köhn, the wait for World Cup glory will have to continue.
